Update: (January 14, 2025) Authorities have identified the man who died in this crash as Cody Lewis Vaughn, 31. He was driving a 2018 Hyundai Elantra that appears to have been rear-ended by a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado while stopped at a red light. The impact pushed Vaughn's vehicle into the intersection, where it was hit by

El Paso, TX — January 12, 2025, one person was killed and one person was injured in a multi-vehicle accident at about 7 a.m. on Gateway North Boulevard.

Authorities said three vehicles were involved in a crash at Gateway North Boulevard and Sean Haggerty Drive, but they have not detailed what happened at the intersection.

One person was killed and another suffered minor injuries in the crash, according to authorities. Their names have not been released at this time.

The crash still is being investigated by local police.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

With a case like this, it’s clear that a thorough investigation is essential to uncover what led to this crash. While the initial report provides few details about how the crash unfolded, every multi-vehicle accident presents unique complexities. To ensure that all possible factors are considered, investigators must focus on three key questions.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the crash? Multi-vehicle collisions at intersections are often chaotic, making it critical to carefully document the scene. Did investigators analyze factors like vehicle speeds, traffic signal timing and visibility at the intersection? Were skid marks, debris and vehicle positions examined to reconstruct the sequence of events? Additionally, identifying and interviewing witnesses can provide vital context about the drivers’ actions leading up to the collision. While local authorities work diligently to investigate, the complexities of multi-vehicle crashes sometimes require supplemental analysis by independent experts to ensure all evidence is evaluated.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect might have contributed to the crash? Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, steering issues or defective tires, can play a significant role in multi-vehicle accidents. For example, if one driver’s vehicle failed to stop due to a brake issue, it could have triggered a chain reaction involving other vehicles. Diagnosing potential defects requires a detailed forensic examination of the vehicles involved. However, these investigations often go overlooked, particularly when vehicles are repaired or disposed of before a thorough inspection can take place. Preserving the vehicles for analysis is critical to determining whether mechanical problems contributed to the collision.

Finally, has all electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles are equipped with engine control modules (ECMs) that can store key information about the moments before a crash, such as speeds, braking activity and steering inputs. This data is invaluable in reconstructing what happened. Additionally, investigators should review video footage from nearby traffic or surveillance cameras and examine whether any dashcams captured the collision. Cell phone data from the drivers involved may also help determine whether distraction played a role. Collecting and preserving this electronic evidence as soon as possible is vital to ensure it remains available for analysis.

Multi-vehicle crashes like this one leave families searching for answers, and understanding the full scope of what happened is essential for accountability and closure. By addressing these three questions, investigators can work to uncover the truth and provide the clarity that those affected by this incident need.